The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has formally instructed the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) to conduct its overdue Annual General Meeting (AGM) and quadrennial elections no later than the end of April 2026, bringing clarity to a prolonged period of administrative uncertainty within the country’s Olympic movement.

In a letter dated 12 January 2026 addressed to NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam, the IOC acknowledged that a forensic audit into the committee’s financial and governance practices is still ongoing. However, the IOC clearly stated that the audit process cannot be used as justification to delay the AGM and elections indefinitely.

The global Olympic body emphasized that the electoral process must be carried out strictly in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the IOC-approved Constitution of the NOCSL. It further reiterated that individuals currently under investigation or subject to sanctions are not permitted to participate in NOCSL activities, attend the General Assembly, or contest elected positions until cleared.

Until the completion of the elections, the IOC, in consultation with the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), will continue to recognize the current Executive Board led by Subramaniam for the purpose of handling day-to-day administrative and operational matters.

Subramaniam has previously stated that the present leadership remains in office only until formal guidance is received from the IOC, adding that he does not intend to extend his tenure beyond the prescribed term.

According to the NOCSL Executive Board, several procedural and governance-related requirements must be completed prior to convening the AGM. These include the approval of the 2026 budget and the submission of the Auditor General’s report for the 2024 financial year. The forensic audit, covering the period from 2015 to 2024, was initiated following disciplinary action taken against former Secretary General Maxwell De Silva, which included a five-year ban and financial penalties imposed on the NOC.

In its correspondence, the IOC requested that the contents of the letter be shared with all member federations to ensure transparency and open communication. The IOC also expressed hope that the audit process would be concluded in the near future, enabling the NOCSL to restore confidence and credibility within both the domestic and international sporting community.

With the IOC now setting a firm deadline, stakeholders across Sri Lanka’s sports sector are awaiting confirmation of an election schedule. The IOC has made it clear that the electoral process must be completed “as soon as possible, and by the end of April 2026 at the latest,” marking a critical step toward resolving governance issues within the country’s Olympic administration.

Sathya Sandeepani produced an outstanding all-round performance as Team Blues registered a commanding 70-run victory over Team Red in the Women’s National Super League T20 tournament at the Thurstan College Ground yesterday.

Asked to bat first, Team Blues suffered an early setback, slipping to 20 for 3 within the first three overs. Sandeepani then steadied the innings with a composed and unbeaten knock of 50 from 44 deliveries, striking five boundaries and a six. Her calm presence at the crease proved crucial in rebuilding the innings.

Sandeepani received valuable support from Ama Kanchana, who scored 41, and Shayani Senarathna, who contributed 25, as Team Blues recovered to post a competitive total of 134 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Extras added a further seven runs, pushing the target beyond Team Red’s reach.

For Team Red, Chamodi Prabodha Munasinghe was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3 wickets for 16 runs. Pramudhi Methsara and Aseni Thalagune picked up one wicket each but were unable to prevent Team Blues from setting a challenging total.

In reply, Team Red’s chase never gained momentum. Dewmi Vihanga led the bowling attack with figures of 3 for 11, while Sandeepani continued her impressive outing by returning 2 for 8. Nethmi Sanjana’s four-wicket haul completed the rout as Team Red were bowled out for just 64 runs.

In the day’s other fixture, Team Greys secured a convincing 35-run victory over Team Green. Batting first, Team Greys posted 132 for 6, with Vishmi Gunarathne anchoring the innings with a fluent 56 and Imesha Dulani adding a valuable 40.

The bowling effort was shared effectively, with Sugandika Kumari and Nimasha Madushani claiming two wickets apiece to apply pressure during the chase.

Team Green struggled in response and were dismissed for 97 in 19.4 overs. Oshadi Ranasinghe top-scored with 21, but lacked support from the rest of the batting lineup. Inoshi Fernando starred with the ball, taking 4 for 14, while Sanduni Nisansala provided excellent support with three wickets.

The results further highlighted the competitive nature of the Women’s National Super League T20, with several players delivering match-defining performances across both fixtures.

Sri Lanka have announced a strong and well-balanced squad led by Dasun Shanaka for the upcoming three-match T20 International series against Pakistan, which is set to begin tomorrow in Dambulla.

The selection reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent, as the selectors look to combine stability with attacking intent in the shortest format. Shanaka will continue to lead the side, with his leadership, calm decision-making, and power-hitting expected to play a central role in Sri Lanka’s campaign.

The batting unit features depth and versatility. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara provide options at the top of the order, while Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera bring proven international experience and match-winning ability to the middle order. Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka add further flexibility, offering the ability to adapt their roles according to match situations.

Sri Lanka’s all-round strength remains a key asset, with Wanindu Hasaranga, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, and Shanaka himself providing balance to the side. Hasaranga, in particular, is expected to play a decisive role with both bat and ball, especially during the middle overs.

The bowling attack offers a strong mix of spin and pace. Maheesh Theekshana’s variations will be vital on home surfaces, supported by Dushan Hemantha and Wellalage. The pace department is bolstered by the presence of Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Malinga, and Traveen Mathew, giving Sri Lanka a range of options in terms of speed, movement, and death-over execution.

Janith Liyanage provides additional batting cover, while the overall squad depth allows the team flexibility to rotate players and manage workloads across the series.

With home advantage on their side, Sri Lanka will be aiming to make a strong start and build momentum against a competitive Pakistan side as preparations continue for future international assignments.

Sri Lanka T20 Squad vs Pakistan

Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushan Hemantha, Traveen Mathew, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara, Eshan Maling